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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Dates: 15-19 October

Exploring Japan's National Sport

Sumo represents the traditional sport of Japan, blending tradition, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices with origins more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – a dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters across.

Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp and clap to drive off negative energies.

Elite sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved dedicate their entire lives to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.

The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged beyond Japan in sumo history.

Clarifying the decision for the international competition, sumo leadership expressed the intention to share with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture abroad.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides their foot soles.

Bouts might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Aggressive pushers typically shove their opponents from the arena through strength, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting to their opponents.

Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories are not used within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi with significant size differences. The ranking system decides opponents rather than physical attributes.

Although female athletes can participate in non-professional sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Professional rikishi live and train together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.

The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, then consuming a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

Typical rikishi eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption are documented.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking affects earnings, living arrangements including support staff.

Younger less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior competitors receive preferred treatment.

Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing descend in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke are released – a traditional document displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.

Sumo Wrestlers Demographics

There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

International competitors have been involved significantly over years, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance in recent times.

Top champions feature international representatives, including wrestlers multiple countries achieving high ranks.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to Japan seeking professional sumo careers.